A trip from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island? You are about to embark on an awesome journey! Just to the south of Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island is a tropical getaway of limestone outcrops, secret coves, and national parks. But with so many ways to go – bus Hanoi Catba, private car, speedboat, cable car, or even motorbike – selecting the right transport is crucial. So whether you’re traveling from the Hanoi Old Quarter, Cat Ba to Hanoi Airport, or just figuring out how to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba, this guide compares every way for every type of traveler. Plus, we’re going to demonstrate how Hanoi to Ha Long routes can easily combine to form your Cat Ba journey. We’re here to determine the quickest, the most picturesque, and the most budget-friendly route to Cat Ba!
But before we get all excited and learn about 15 ways to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba in detail (including the prices, travel time, schedules, and our daily experiences), let’s take a look at the top ways to go from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island for you, categorized by travel time, cost, level of comfort and the type of traveler who’s better off taking that route.
It doesn’t matter if you fancy renting a motorbike for the thrill of a lifetime, getting a ride in a family-friendly private car, or just a container seat in the ever-so-lovely Cat Ba Hai Phong cable car; this guide helps you compare and choose the best!
|
Method |
Duration |
Cost (USD) |
Comfort |
Best For |
|
Direct Bus |
3.5 – 4h |
$13-18 |
★★★★☆ |
Most travelers – Easy and direct bus Hanoi to Cat Ba with pick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter |
|
Bus + Cable Car |
3.5h |
$16-20 |
★★★★★ |
Scenic seekers – Unbeatable views of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island |
|
Bus + Ferry |
4-4.5h |
$12-16 |
★★★★☆ |
Budget-conscious explorers – a reliable combo used widely by tourists |
|
Private Car |
2.5 – 3h |
$120+ |
★★★★★ |
Families, couples – maximum privacy, flexible departure, excellent vehicle quality |
|
Motorbike |
4 – 5h |
$10-15 |
★★★☆☆ |
Adventurers – Perfect for the free-spirited traveler seeking scenic backroads to Cat Ba |
|
Cruise Package |
2 – 3 days |
$99+ |
★★★★★ |
Leisure seekers – The all-in-one getaway, great for combining Hanoi to Ha Long and Cat Ba Island |
The Hanoi to Cat Ba Island itinerary journey. How does the trip from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island by private cargo? From here it is 120 to 150 km to Cat Hai Island (or along the coast to Hai Phong). You have 4 main options:
Travel time: 2 – 3 hours, depending on traffic and vehicle
Stops: The majority go via the Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Bridge before either arriving at Got Pier or the Cable Car Station on Cat Hai.
Hanoi to Cat Ba Bus (Source: goodmorningcatba)
Once in Cat Hai, the sea leg begins! You can choose between:
Travel time: 15-30 minutes
Tip: The cable car operates regularly (check locally for times and prearranged operation), with some seasonal maintenance periods.
Ferry from Got Pier to Cai Vieng Port (Source: halongbayluxcruises)
Once you arrive on Cat Ba Island, you still have to go inland to Cat Ba Town where most hotels on Cat Ba are based.
Travel time: 20-30 minutes
Distance: 20-25 km, depending on the arrival point
Taxi Cai Vieng Pier to Cat Ba Town (Source: quangthangcatba)
This is also a fantastic choice for your return journey – daily buses run from Cat Ba to Hanoi, and even combo buses from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi Airport.
Below are the 4 most reputable companies providing Hanoi to Cat Ba bus service:
Cat Ba Express – High-quality & Always On Time
A favorite among international travelers!
Cat Ba Express Bus (Source: catbaexpress)
Good Morning Cat Ba – Flexible & Friendly Servic
This company is reputable for excellent customer service and flexible rescheduling.
They also do pickups/drop-offs from Cat Ba to Hanoi Airport and Cat Ba Island to Hanoi.
Good Morning Cat Ba Bus (Source: tripadvisor)
Daiichi Travel (Cat Ba Discovery) – Budget-Friendly with Great Comfort
Great for small groups or budget travelers.
They also have daily buses from Cat Ba to Hanoi Bus Station, or Noi Bai Airport on request.
Cat Ba Discovery Bus (Source: vietgoing)
Hoang Long Bus – Best for Local Experience
If you’re on a shoestring and open to traveling in a more local style than a tourist, then this post is for you.
Hoang Long Bus (Source: hoanglongasia)
Bus from Hanoi to Cat Hai (Hai Phong)
Bus from Hanoi to Cat Hai (Source: catbadiscovery)
Cable Car from Cat Hai to Phu Long (Cat Ba Island)
Cable Car from Cat Hai to Phu Long (Source: goodmorningcatba)
Shuttle from Phu Long to Cat Ba Town
Shuttle from Phu Long to Cat Ba Town (Source: daiichitravel)
The following two are the most reliable companies to provide Hanoi to Cat Ba bus + cable car + shuttle in 2025:
Cat Ba Express – High quality, great for international travelers
Cat Ba Du Ky – Budget-friendly with good service
Cat Ba Du Ky (Source: Catbadukytravel)
Standalone Cable Car Ticket (if going independently)
If you’re driving or riding in a private car or on a motorbike to Cat Hai, you can purchase cable car tickets separately:
Ideal for:
|
Car Type |
Capacity |
Price Range |
|
4-seater sedan |
2 passengers + luggage |
130-145 USD |
|
7-seater SUV |
4-5 passengers + luggage |
150-160 USD |
|
12-seater minivan |
Up to 10 passengers |
165-180 USD |
Prices include: fuel, besar (and driver as applicable), Tolls, the charge for rose bands, and the first part of the waiting time.
Not included: Other personal expenses, gratuity for the driver (not compulsory), ferry ticket for pax (around 3-4 USD per pax)
The Cat Ba Island by private car: The driver will pick you up at Hanoi and then depart to Got Pier in Cat Hai Island – Hai Phong through Tan Vu – Lach Huyen bridge (the longest sea-crossing bridge in Vietnam).
The ferries are in service with between 30 and 60 min between them, from 05:00 to 18:00. In high season (May to August), it’s a good idea to leave early to escape the traffic.
Here are a couple of reputable companies, ones with great vehicle quality and English-speaking drivers:
Hanoi Transport Service
Hanoi Transport Service (Source: deluxevietnamtours)
Phong Nha Locals Travel & Transport
Phong Nha Locals Travel & Transport (Source: tripadvisor)
Vietnam Private Car
Vietnam Private Car (Source: vietnamprivatecar)
The motorbike journey begins at Hanoi Old Quarter and proceeds on this exciting route:
Total ride time (excluding breaks): ~3.5 to 4 hours
Distance: ~135 km from the ferry terminal + ~30 min ferry ride + ~25 min from Cai Vieng to Cat Ba Town
Once you’re at Got Pier in Cat Hai, you and your bike will load onto the ferry:
It’s one of the most special routes to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, but it is a little off the beaten path, you say, but we are trying to link our route with something else, like Hanoi to Ha Long, Hai Duong, or even smaller coastal roads. Where to hire a motorbike in Hanoi
You can rent from trusted shops that maintain good vehicles, helmets, and paperwork (just don’t leave your passport and license at home):
|
Rental Shop |
Location |
Contact |
Price Range |
|
Tigit Motorbikes |
No.10, Alley 603, Lac Long Quan, Tay Ho |
+84 386 518 481 |
9-15 USD/day |
|
Happy Zip Motorbike |
451 Hong Ha Street, Hoan Kiem |
+84 924 715 678 |
8-12 USD/day |
|
AZ Motorbikes |
55 Alley 76/35 An Duong, Tay Ho |
+84 984 916 785 |
9-13 USD/day |
AZ Motorbikes (Source: tripadvisor)
You’ll be picked up by a luxury shuttle from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter and driven to the port where your cruise embarks – either Tuan Chau Marina (Ha Long) or Got Pier (Hai Phong), depending on the cruise itinerary.
From there, you hop on a boat and embark on an amazing journey cruising along the emerald blue waters of Lan Ha Bay or Ha Long Bay. Most cruises now also either dock on Cat Ba Island or transfer you to Cat Ba Island by speedboat from the cruise.
This choice combines transport Hanoi Cat Ba in a perfect combination of relaxation, sightseeing as well and indulgence – all in one.
Cruise to Cat Ba Island (Source: vivuhalong)
Cruise packages are ideal for travelers who don’t want to worry about coordinating several transportation companies or ferry schedules – everything is sorted, from passengers being picked up to dropped off.
|
Cruise Type |
Duration |
Price Range |
Ideal For |
|
Day Cruise |
6-8 hours |
$85-120 USD |
Short trip, tight schedule |
|
2D1N Overnight |
1 night |
$150-220 USD |
Relaxed journey, more stops |
|
3D2N Cruise |
2 nights |
$220-300+ USD |
Complete bay & island tour |
Many cruises between Hanoi and Ha Long visit Cat Ba Island as part of the itinerary or offer Lan Ha Bay-based tours that focus solely on the Cat Ba area. This fact makes them an ideal crossover option if you are interested in both Cat Ba and Ha Long.
For example:
No matter what kind of traveler or style you are – adventure, comfort, or luxury cruise – there is the best way to get from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island. Bus or motorbike, private car, or scenic cruise through Hanoi to Ha Long, the getting there is a huge part of the joy. Plan; pick the one that best suits you, and let the road (or the sea!) whisk you directly to Cat Ba Island – where the real fun starts!
There are a few different options for getting from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, and it depends on your budget and style of travel:
The way from Cat Ba to Hanoi is just as open! Popular options include:
Cat Ba Island is accessible from several locations, but most people begin from Hanoi. From there, you can elect to get there by:
For now, Grab and similar ride-hailing apps do not work on Cat Ba Island. But don’t worry, it’s a piece of cake to navigate with:
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